British values and principles for the Life in the UK test

The five fundamental principles

British society rests on shared values that everyone who lives in the UK is expected to respect. They grew out of the UK's history and traditions, not out of a single law. They are upheld by law, by custom and by what people expect of each other.

The handbook lists five fundamental principles of British life:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
• Participation in community life

What is not a British value

• Extremism and intolerance run against these shared values.
• Rule by wealthy families or by religious leaders is not one of the principles. A test question may list it as a wrong answer.
• Following a religion is a personal choice, protected by freedom of belief. It is not one of your responsibilities.

Your responsibilities

Anyone who wants to settle permanently or become a citizen takes on responsibilities. Applying means committing to respect the UK's laws, values and traditions. You should:

• Respect and obey the law.
• Respect other people's rights, such as their right to hold their own views.
• Treat others with fairness.
• Look after yourself and your family.
• Look after the area you live in and the environment.

The freedoms the UK offers

In return for these responsibilities, the UK offers:

• Freedom of belief and religion
• Freedom of speech
• Freedom from unfair discrimination
• A right to a fair trial
• A right to take part in electing a government

The citizenship ceremony

New British citizens mark the occasion at a citizenship ceremony. There are two steps.

Oath or affirmation of allegiance

A promise of loyalty to the monarch and the monarch's heirs and successors. The oath is sworn by God. The affirmation is the non-religious alternative: a solemn promise with no religious wording.

The citizenship pledge

Made after the oath or affirmation. New citizens promise loyalty to the UK, to respect its rights and freedoms, uphold its democratic values, observe its laws faithfully and fulfil their duties as citizens.

King Charles III

The handbook refers to the Queen. Since September 2022, the oath and affirmation have been made to King Charles III.

Becoming a permanent resident

Indefinite leave to remain

Another name for settlement: permission to live in the UK permanently.

Knowledge of Language and Life requirement

A pass in the Life in the UK test plus evidence of English speaking and listening skills. Most adult applicants need both parts, for settlement and for citizenship. Passing one does not replace the other.

English at B1

The level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) that the handbook gives. It is the same standard as ESOL Entry Level 3. A degree taught or researched in English can be used instead. Under Immigration Rules changes published in March 2026, most settlement applications made from 26 March 2027 will need B2.

Who does not take the test

People under 18, people aged 65 or over, and people with a long-term physical or mental condition who provide an exemption form or a doctor's letter.

Already passed?

If you passed the test when you applied to settle, you do not need to take it again when you apply for citizenship.

No English test needed

Nationals of some majority English-speaking countries, such as Australia, Canada and the USA, do not need to prove their English.

Where to check

Rules can change, so check the Home Office website before you apply. It explains how to apply and which forms you need. GOV.UK lists ESOL courses in your area, and the Life in the UK test's own website has test information and booking.

Your rights under the law

Where rights come from

Britain's tradition of individual rights goes back to Magna Carta, the 1689 Bill of Rights and the Habeas Corpus Act.

European Convention on Human Rights

British lawyers and diplomats helped to draft it, and in 1950 the UK was among its earliest signatories. It was drawn up by the Council of Europe, not the EU.

Human Rights Act 1998

Brought the Convention's rights into UK law. Public authorities, including government departments, the police and the courts, must respect them.

Rights protected

The right to life, liberty and security, a fair trial, freedom of expression, and freedom of thought, conscience and religion. The Convention also bans torture, slavery and forced labour.

Equality Act 2010

Protects people in England, Scotland and Wales from unfair treatment in all areas of life, not just at work. Protected characteristics include age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, and marital status. Northern Ireland has its own, similar laws.

Help with discrimination

In England and Wales, the Equality and Human Rights Commission and Citizens Advice can give you information.

Domestic violence

A serious crime, whether the couple are married or living together. A man who forces his wife to have sex can be charged with rape. Refuges, or shelters, give people escaping domestic violence a safe place to live. In an emergency, always ring the police.

Female genital mutilation (FGM)

Illegal in the UK. It is also an offence to take a woman or girl overseas to have it done.

Forced marriage

A marriage needs the free and full consent of both people. Arranged marriages, where both agree, are lawful, but forcing someone to marry is a crime. Forced Marriage Protection Orders protect people at risk. Since 2023 in England and Wales, no one under 18 can marry.

Being a good neighbour

Living in the UK brings shared responsibilities as well as rights. The shared values in the handbook also include protecting your family, working, helping others and voting in local and national government elections. Being a good neighbour helps you settle into your community:

• Introduce yourself when you move in.
• Keep noise down and respect your neighbours' privacy.
• Look after your garden.
• Put your rubbish out on the right day, when the bins are due to be emptied.

Your role in the community

Volunteering

Working for a good cause without pay. Examples include working with animals, youth work, befriending, fundraising, litter picks, helping homeless or older people and mentoring recently released prisoners. It helps you meet people, practise your English and gain skills and experience for work.

Charities

Age UK works with older people and the NSPCC with children. Friends of the Earth works on the environment, and Cancer Research UK funds research.

Jury service

A civic duty. Jurors are picked at random from the electoral register. It applies to people aged 18 to 75 in England and Wales, and 18 to 70 in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

School governors

Parents can become school governors in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Governors set a school's strategic direction, ensure accountability and monitor its performance. They must be at least 18, and there is no upper age limit. In Scotland, school boards were replaced by Parent Councils in 2007.

Political parties

Party members help by handing out leaflets and canvassing door to door. You never have to tell canvassers how you plan to vote.

Helping the police and courts

You can volunteer as a special constable (a part-time volunteer police officer) or as a lay (non-police) representative. Anyone can apply to be a magistrate.

Giving blood

Voluntary and unpaid. It takes about an hour, and donated blood helps hospitals treat many injuries and illnesses.

Organ donation

Record your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register. This makes your wishes known and can help your family decide after your death. A living person can also donate a kidney. All four nations now use an opt-out system: Wales from 2015, England from 2020, Scotland from 2021 and Northern Ireland from 2023.

Looking after the environment

• Recycle. It saves energy, reduces the raw materials taken from the earth and cuts the amount of rubbish sent to landfill.
• Don't drop litter.
• Walk or cycle where you can.
• Buy local produce. It supports local businesses and farmers and cuts your carbon footprint, because goods travel shorter distances.